Ezekiel 23:6
Which were clothed with blue, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding upon horses.
Original Language Analysis
לְבֻשֵׁ֤י
Which were clothed
H3847
לְבֻשֵׁ֤י
Which were clothed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
תְכֵ֙לֶת֙
with blue
H8504
תְכֵ֙לֶת֙
with blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
2 of 10
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
בַּח֥וּרֵי
young men
H970
בַּח֥וּרֵי
young men
Strong's:
H970
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
כֻּלָּ֑ם
H3605
כֻּלָּ֑ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פָּרָשִׁ֕ים
horsemen
H6571
פָּרָשִׁ֕ים
horsemen
Strong's:
H6571
Word #:
8 of 10
a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry
Historical Context
Assyria dominated Near Eastern politics from 911-609 BC, with the Neo-Assyrian Empire reaching its zenith under Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, and Sargon II—exactly when Israel sought their alliance. Assyrian military technology, including cavalry and siege engines, was unmatched and visible to surrounding nations.
Questions for Reflection
- What attractive worldly powers tempt us to compromise spiritual integrity?
- How does the appearance of strength deceive us into faithless alliances?
- Why is trusting visible resources easier than trusting the invisible God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Clothed with blue, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding upon horses catalogs Assyria's military and political splendor. Blue dye (Hebrew tekhelet) indicated nobility and luxury. Israel's attraction was aesthetic and pragmatic—power, wealth, prestige. Israel's political calculus chose visible strength over invisible faith, preferring chariots to prayer (Psalm 20:7). This mirrors every age's temptation to trust in human strength, sophisticated systems, and worldly power rather than in God's providence. The carnal mind always prefers tangible resources over divine promises.